Framing

Glazing Options

When the Difference Isn’t Clear

 

By April Hann Lanford

Glazing Options, When the Difference Isn’t Clear

By April Hann Lanford

 

With the multitude of glazing options now available in the industry, selecting the right glazing can be a daunting task.  There are many options available with some UV protective properties as well as standard glass with none.  Framing should not only be created with aesthetics in mind, but to also protect your artwork while on view. 

Here are a few questions to initially consider when reviewing glazing options for a frame:

Where will the piece be installed?

What are the lighting conditions?

What is the medium of the artwork?

Does it contain pastel, charcoal, or other friable elements?

Once completed, will be piece be transported, or shipped?

Given the nominal additional cost involved to provide the highest level of UV protection available in the industry, the following is a breakdown of attributes and considerations for the preferred glazing options available.

Optium Museum Acrylic

The preferred glazing of museums and collectors.

Versatile, and provides optimal viewing, it can be seamed for oversize pieces.  With its shatter resistance, anti-static, and abrasion resistant properties, it is the ideal choice for works on loan, in public view, or items that may be transported.

Anti-Reflective -Virtually eliminates reflection in the most lighting conditions

Blocks up to 99% UV rays-helps deter fading

Anti-static surface-ideal for works that have friable media

Abrasion resistant-surface is protected against scratches

Shatter resistant-acrylic substrate that is resistant to impact and ideal for handling and transport

Considerations-When light is reflected, there is a slight cast color.

UltraVue Laminated Glass

The water white glass substrate provides crystal clear color transmission.

Anti-Reflective-Virtually eliminates reflection in the most lighting conditions.   The water white glass substrate provides crystal clear color transmission.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays-helps deter fading

Abrasion resistant-surface is protected against scratches

Shatter resistant-laminated glass substrate that is resistant to impact and ideal for handling and transport

Considerations-The double layer of glass increases the weight of the sheet.

Museum Glass

Its anti-reflective properties provide optimal viewing for smaller works at a lower price point than Optium and UltraVue.

Anti-Reflective -Virtually eliminates reflection in the most lighting conditions.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays-helps deter fading

Considerations- When light is reflected, there is a slight cast color.  Not available in oversized dimensions. The glass is sensitive to impact.

Conservation Reflection Control Acrylic

The surface has a matte finish which softly diffuses reflected light. 

Blocks up to 99% UV rays-helps deter fading

Non-Glare-Matte finish to soften reflection

Shatter resistant-acrylic substrate that is resistant to impact and ideal for handling and transport

Considerations-The matte finish tends to soften the image it is covering.  Should not be used for depths over .25”. The acrylic surface can abrade and scratch over time.  Due to inherent static charge, should not be used with friable media.

Conservation Reflection Control Glass

The surface has a matte finish which softly diffuses reflected light. Museum glass is often the preferred choice when viewed side-by-side when reflection and clarity is a concern.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays-helps deter fading

Non-Glare-Matte finish to soften reflection

Considerations: The matte finish tends to soften the image it is covering.  Should not be used for depths over .25”.  Not available in oversized dimensions. The glass is sensitive to impact.

Conservation Clear Acrylic

UV protective clear acrylic.  The standard option to protect against fading when reflection is not a concern.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays-helps deter fading

Shatter resistant-acrylic substrate that is resistant to impact and ideal for handling and transport

Considerations-The acrylic surface can abrade and scratch over time.  Due to inherent static charge, should not be used with friable media.

Conservation Clear Glass

UV protective clear glass. The standard option to protect against fading when reflection is not a concern.

Blocks up to 99% UV rays-helps deter fading

Considerations-Not available in oversized dimensions. The glass is sensitive to impact.

 

Selecting the right glazing is as important as choosing the right frame and mat for your artwork.

When meeting with your framing specialist, remember to review samples in various lighting conditions, and discuss the potential considerations to determine which is the best fit for the project.

If you have any questions or if you would like to make an appointment, please contact us at:

312-344-0331

april@artifactservices.com

 

 

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Examinations, condition reports, and related cost estimates

can be completed at one of our studios, online or onsite

Call or email us today to work with us on your project 

At Our Studios

Clients are welcome to make an appointment to drop off items at one of our studio locations for an estimate.

Upon completion of the assessment, we will follow up with a written condition report and treatment proposal for your approval.

Custom framing appointments can also be made at any of locations.

To schedule an appointment please feel welcome to email, call, or submit an inquiry via through our form at the bottom of the page.

Online

We also welcome inquiries through email.

If you have questions about a general treatment or need an approximate cost for a project, you can send images and information about your piece.  When possible please include the following information:

Title, Artist, Medium, and Size

Condition Observations and Concerns

Images of the front and back, with any details.

We will call you to follow up and gather any further pertinent information.

Onsite

Clients are welcome to make an appointment to drop off items at one of our studio locations for an estimate.

Upon completion of the assessment, we will follow up with a written condition report and treatment proposal for your approval.

Custom framing appointments can also be made at any of locations.

To schedule an appointment please feel welcome to email, call, or submit an inquiry via through our form at the bottom of the page.

Contact

Get In touch

april@artifactservices.com
(312) 344-0331
Main Location: 840 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL  60642

By Appointment

Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5pm
Sat: 10am-2pm
Sun: Closed

Send a message

Main Location

840 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Complimentary parking is available in the parking lot in front of the building

Additional Locations

We can also serve you by appointment at our other locations in the Chicagoland area.

Lake Forest-Highland Park

Lincoln Park

 

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